Protective frame-work for levees



(No Model.)

J. KERNAGHAN.

PROTECTIVE FRAME WORK FOR LBVEES, DAMS, 8:0.

No. 352,544. Patented Nov. 16, 1886.

Mir-Y ii-VI mm/1m.

UNITE-D STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN KERNAGHAN, or sAN r n noisco, CALIFORNIA.

PROTECTIVE FRAME-WORK FOR LEVEES, DAMS, 84C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 352,544, dated November16, 1886.

Application filed April 20, 1885.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN KERNAGHAN, a resident of San Francisco, Stateof California, have invented a new and useful Protective Frame-fork forLevees, Dams, and Embankinents; and I hereby declare that the followingis a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being hadto the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to an improved means for constructing andprotecting levees, dams, and embankments by the use of a frame-work oftimber.

The following description fully explains the natureof my said inventionand the manner in which I proceed to construct, apply, and use the same,the accompanying drawings be ing referred to by figures and letters.

Figure 1 represents the framework with double bents. Fig. 2 gives a viewof the same with single bents. Fig. 3 represents a section of an oldlevee repaired with the frame-work with single bents. Fig. 4 r'epresents a section of a single bent. Fig. 5 represents a section of adouble bent.

Referring to Fig. 1, the double bent at, triangular in form and bracedby the diagonal brace a of the frame-work with longitudinal stringers I)attached, and vertical planks forming apron c.

Referring to Fig. 2, the single bent d of the frame-work withlongitudinal stringers b attached, and vertical planks forming apron 0.

Referring to Fig. 3, a section of an old levee is cut, 6, and repairedand fortified by the frame-work with single bents d.

Referring to 4, a section of the single bent d, triangular in form andhaving the bracing-bars a.

Referring to Fig. bent a, triangular bearing-bars c In constructing alevee, or dam, or an embankment the employment of my frame-work will notonly greatly increase the resistingpower of the work, but will add toits protection. The frame-work, consisting of single or double bents andlongitudinal stringers,

5, a section of the double in form and having the Serial No.162,852. (Nomodel.)

Figs. 1 and 2, maybe constructed of rough timber, spotted and faced atthe points ofjunction, and fastened with iron bolts. If it is necessaryto protect an embankment from the wearing action of the water, itsexposed side is covered by an apron formed of planks placed vertically,and fastened with tree-nails and iron bolts. The frame-work may be ofany dimensions required to suit the plans of the engineer, and the bentsmay be placed at short or greater distances apart.

In embanking for a railway over a low area, the use .of myframe-workconstructed with double bents a, Fig. 5, and filled in with earth andstone, will give a solid and durable road, the sides of which willneither slide off nor wear away. In cutting a track for a railway arounda side hill, the material of which is loose, the frame-work with singlebents d, Fig. 4:, filled in, and the inclined outer side covered with anapron made of rough planks, will protect the work from moving andsliding, and tend to niakeasolid and permanent road.

The bents are provided at the upper and lower corners of their obliqueor inclined sides with edge recesses, g, for the reception of thelongitudinal stringers G, and also at intermediate points on the samesides with similar recesses, as shown. These recesses may in some casesbe of dovetail or other suitable form, so as to securely hold thestringers without the use of nails or other fasten ing devices. When therecesses are of dovetail form, the engaging portion of the stringersshould be of a conformable contour. The bents are preferably oftruncated triangular form; but in some cases such a shaped bent may bedivided by a central vertical'line, and used in a similar manner. Theformer construction is preferable, however, when it is desirable to makea roadway out of the em bankment.

I am aware that it is not new to construct dams and levees of bentsconnected by longitudinal rails, and fill the same in with stones,earth, and the like, and therefore do not claim such devices broadly.

Having thus fully described my invention, In testimony whereof I havehereunto set what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters my hand andseal. Patent, is-

The combination, with a series of triangu- JOHN KERNAGHAN. [L. s.] 5 larbents having diagonailyarranged bracing-bars and notches, of a series oflongitudi- Witnesses: nal stringers seated in said notches and se- A. B.SMITH, cured to the bents, and a series of vertical WM. PATTERSON, slatsor planks secured to the stringers, as set FERDINAND IMHORST.

IO forth.

